Al Hosn opens centre for architects

ABU DHABI // A private university has opened a new centre for architecture and design in anticipation of increased demand for people trained in those fields when the global economy improves. Al Hosn University has launched a "studio building" for students taking courses in architecture, urban planning and interior design. "We still believe that sooner or later construction will pick up and there will always be a need in this area," said Prof Abdul Sabouni, the university's vice chancellor and chief executive. "This studio is for them to prepare some real-life applications of their designs."

The university has taken on 250 new students this year, increasing the count to around 1,350. About two-thirds of the students are Emiratis. The new centre is the university's sixth facility near the centre of Abu Dhabi. It was opened even though the institution is planning a new campus in Khalifa City. Officials hope construction of the campus will start in a year's time, enabling the university to move with two or three years.

Al Hosn has said it could accommodate about 1,800 students at its current premises, but in Khalifa City enrolment could grow to 7,000 within a decade. The university, which was launched in 2005, is owned by Abu Dhabi Holdings Company. dbardsley@thenational.ae